walk), 2 x (60 seconds faster, than running pace, 30 seconds recovery walk), 5-minute cool-down jog to walk and stretchSunday Bike session: 10-minute warm-up cycle, 4 x (25 seconds fast cycling – no faster than 110rpm – 35 seconds recovery), 4 x (20

Wed Power walk/run for 30 minutes easy Power walk/run for 30 minutes easy Power walk/run for 35 minutes easy Power walk/run for 35 minutes easy Thu Rest Day Rest Day Strength train for 20 minutes Strength train

on technique Tue RUN: Steady and relaxed 25 minutes. Cool-down walk 5 mins easy CYCLE: Warm-up: 20-25 minutes. Main: turn around and try to return 2-3 minutes quicker without going flat out. Cool-down: spin 5 minutes CYCLE: Warm-up: 10 minutes

1. Arrive with plenty of time to set out your transition. 2. Walk around the whole area and know the swim entry, bike exit and entry and run exit. 3. Mark your area with something (if you're allowed). A brightly coloured towel is best. 4. Find a

and bike to run. We asked some of triathlon's leading elites, coaches and mentors for their tips to ensure speedy transitions.1. Get in the habitStart learning how to save precious seconds in the weeks and months leading up to your race. By setting aside

-road terrain is that you are running on an uneven surface, so you need to prepare your body for that," says Barden. "If you were to do all of your training on the road, you might initially feel OK in a cross-country race, but your body will fatigue a lot

an Ironman in Hawaii. "It's better to get out there than to hide away," says Simon Ward of www.thetriathloncoach.com. "Be sensible. You should be tapering your training before a race, so walking around in the heat is often enough, combined with light training

racing." For Joe Vrablik, a triathlete based in Boulder, Colorado, the combination of heat and humidity is his bête noire. "The majority of the time it hits me on the run," he says. Vrablik often notices signs of impending unpleasantness late

1. Sleep well"In reality, trying to sleep well the night before a race never works," says triathlon coach Rick Kiddle (www.rickkiddle.com). "The best sleep will be the night before the night before. Many athletes can survive with little sleep

's good to start to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the challenge ahead. Many triathlons start early in the morning, so it's always a good idea to travel to the race venue the day before to register, rack your bike and walk around